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New Member
posted Jun 1, 2019 6:06:17 AM

I’m trying to write off my tools and i have never had to work with a depreciation what should i do the tools don’t lose any value?

Why cant i write it off as section 179 anymore

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1 Best answer
Intuit Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 6:06:19 AM

In theory everything has a useful life and depreciates over time, even tools.

If the tools are hand tools, you can take their cost as a deduction under supplies along with the paper/ink, etc.  These smaller purchases are handled as Business Expenses.

If the tools are large purchases (typically more than $200) you can enter them as assets and depreciate them over time. For tax purposes, larger purchases (typically more than $200), such as computers, furniture, or equipment are depreciated. Such items are used in your business for longer than a year.  These items are tracked in the Business Asset section.

TurboTax will give you several options including the 179 deduction and the De Minimis election for assets under $2,500, as well as depreciating the asset over several years.

1 Replies
Intuit Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 6:06:19 AM

In theory everything has a useful life and depreciates over time, even tools.

If the tools are hand tools, you can take their cost as a deduction under supplies along with the paper/ink, etc.  These smaller purchases are handled as Business Expenses.

If the tools are large purchases (typically more than $200) you can enter them as assets and depreciate them over time. For tax purposes, larger purchases (typically more than $200), such as computers, furniture, or equipment are depreciated. Such items are used in your business for longer than a year.  These items are tracked in the Business Asset section.

TurboTax will give you several options including the 179 deduction and the De Minimis election for assets under $2,500, as well as depreciating the asset over several years.